CPSC Warns Parents Not to Use Simplicity Bassinets Following Two Infant Deaths

Posted By
The Gilbert Law Group

The Consumer Product Safety Commission is telling parents to stop letting
their babies sleep in the “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper”
bassinets that are made by Simplicity, Inc. The warning comes following
two deaths linked to the sleepers and the refusal of SFCA Inc., the company
that purchased Simplicity Inc.’s assets, to issue a recall. SFCA
says it is not responsible for the products that Simplicity made in the past.
The CPSC says that the 3-in-1 and 4-in-1 convertible bassinets have metal
bars that are spaced too far apart and do not meet federal standards.
The bars have a fabric flap covering that is attached using velcro. If
the flap is not properly secured, a baby could become trapped between
the bars and get seriously hurt or die. SFCA Inc., however, says it is
not responsible for products that Simplicity made prior to the acquisition.

Last week, a 5-month-old baby was strangled to death after she got caught
between the metal bars of a Simplicity bassinet. Another baby died in
a similar accident in a Simplicity bassinet last September.
The CPSC has compiled data related to infant bassinet-related deaths between
1990 and 2004, including:

There were 53 infant deaths in bassinets.

85% of the deaths happened because the infant was not getting enough oxygen.

Asphyxiation and suffocation are two common bassinet-related injuries that
can lead to death.

Many personal injuries and wrongful deaths that occur in bassinets and
cribs are preventable.

Throughout the United States, Gilbert & Ollanik, PC represents parents
whose children were seriously hurt or died because of defective nursery
products, toys, children’s furniture, and other dangerous products.
Contact one of our children’s products liability lawyers today.